Medications can lose potency, become unsafe, or break down if they are stored incorrectly. Pharmacy technicians need to know storage requirements so medications stay effective, patients stay safe, and the pharmacy meets legal standards.

General storage requirements

Storage rule	Required condition	Notes / example
Temperature control	Store between 36°F (2°C) and 140°F (60°C)	Extreme heat can damage medications. For example, aspirin can break down into vinegar and salicylic acid when exposed to heat, which may cause stomach irritation.
Avoid humidity	Store in a cool, dry place	Humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms are not ideal. Pharmacies must maintain 40% to 80% relative humidity to limit moisture buildup that can lead to spoilage or damage.
Original containers	Keep medications in their original container at home	This helps preserve labeling, stability, and correct identification.
Special labeling	Clearly label medications requiring special storage	Place “Refrigerated” next to drugs requiring refrigeration. Place “Moisture controlled” next to drugs requiring controlled humidity.
Controlled substances	Schedule I and II drugs must be stored in a safe or substantial steel cabinet	This is required for security and legal compliance.

Common medications that require refrigeration

Category	Examples
Insulins	Various insulin products
Reconstituted antibiotic suspensions	Amoxicillin suspension
Eye drops	Latanoprost
Ear drops	Chloramphenicol ear drops
Vaccines	Various vaccines
Injectable biologics	Pegasys (interferon), Neupogen (filgrastim), Humira (adalimumab), EPOGEN (epoetin), Enbrel (etanercept), Sandostatin (octreotide)
Nasal spray	Miacalcin
Oral drops	Lorazepam drops, Gabapentin drops
Antiretroviral	Ritonavir capsules and tablets
Chemotherapy agents	Chlorambucil (Leukeran), Melphalan (Alkeran), Etoposide (VePesid)
Cervical gel	Prepidil (dinoprostone)
Type 2 diabetes injectables	Byetta (exenatide), Victoza (liraglutide)
Semaglutide products	Ozempic, Wegovy (refrigerate at 36 to 46°F before first use)